Countdown!
Dear friends and family.
Wow, it’s hard to believe that a week from Friday, early in the morning, 2 of my sisters, a Suv, a U-Haul and I take off for the Canadian Border. Then head up to Edmonton, arriving the next day.
Furlough has been fantastic! Everyone I have come in contact with has been very encouraging and friendly. Furthermore, I have had special, extra time with my family for which I am grateful. The Lord is good! Still, I am SO looking forward to unpacking my bags… boxes to be exact!!! I am excited about joining the Alberta CEF Team and be a part of CYIA and the summer ministries.
Mourning is a natural part of life. I know too that I will mourn my leaving Austria. Due to Furlough, the grieving process has not been completed. Reality has not had a chance to set in. Oh, it has come from time to time in little glimpses, but… not really. Now I am sitting here at Conference and I am experiencing the pangs of reality. This is the last place I would have expected it. But then grief never comes when welcomed. It is not something one can control.
Leaving Austria was bitter-sweet and now my moving to Alberta is proving to be the same. Still, I am not going back, I am going forward! Your prayers, especially during this time are so appreciated. The next few months are going to be a challenge. Thus I am excited about what God is going to do.
God has given me Psalm 37, 1-8 for my move up to Alberta. It starts out, “Do not fret”! That is followed by “Trust in the Lord”! Other vital elements are… dwell, delight, commit/trust, rest and wait. Then again “Do not fret!” For emphasis it is said a third time, “Do not fret- it only causes harm. God wants us to replace our fears with total trust in Him. He wants our committment and delight. He also wants us to learn to rest and wait on Him! These are elements for peace and success that I want to learn for Alberta.
Here are some prayer and praises:
Praise:
- that God is the One who goes before and prepares the way!
- for providing a new home in the basement of a Christian family
- for the finances for my move and a vehicle that have come in
- for the new people who have joined my support team
Prayer:
- that I will take Psalm 37, 1-8 to heart and let God’s Word really make a difference in my life
- for the rest of the finances for the move and vehicle come in
- for protection in traveling for us and my folks
- for settling in
- for making new friends and finding a new church family
- for the grieving process
- for a real passion to reach Alberta’s children for Jesus!
Thank you so much for all your prayers and help. Blessings!
Together for the children,
mari